Introduction
Universities are institutions for higher learning found in most countries. A high school student can have the opportunity to join a university if they acquire good enough grades in their final year at school. In addition, seasoned workers may opt to join them as a professional development move or change in career. There are two general types of these institutions public and private universities. Sponsors, investors, and religious or not-for-profit organizations establish private universities. The sponsors and investors seek to make a profit out of these institutions. On the other side, the ownership and operations of public universities are by the state or government in a particular country. In this article, we will review What are the pros and cons of private university
Pros of Private Universities
Professor to Student Ratio
Founders and investors make sure that these institutions remain well funded. As a result, private universities have manageable class populations, and the professors can give adequate instruction, assessment, and monitoring. This ensures the assistance of students whenever and wherever they experience challenges without competing for attention.
Quality Education
They have adequate learning resources such as books and audiovisual materials. This is due to the funding and sponsorship received from the proprietors and students’ fees. As a result, the students have access to the latest edition of books, technology, study materials, and research materials. They also have more field trips and guest speakers to impart an additional wealth of knowledge.
Facilities and Extra-Curricular Activities
Most private universities have iconic and properly maintained physical structures. They have an adequate number and well-furnished lecture theatres with comfort in mind. Other structures include sporting facilities, recreation and entertainment areas, research facilities, and libraries. In addition, student halls of residence are spacious and kept to the highest housekeeping standards possible. Furthermore, they enjoy a varied diet and meal options at the cafeteria. They also have the proper equipment, machinery, stock, and staff to keep the institution meticulously clean and orderly.
Varied Course Programs
The compensation of faculty members is adequate, and as a result, attracting the right talent to manage the academic programs is not a challenge. These universities can develop tailor-made programs to suit the market or target population. Armed with their intense marketing efforts, they easily attract students too.
Cons of Private Universities
Cost of Living and Tuition
The institutions provide a quality learning experience, personalized services, state-of-the-art facilities, amenities, equipment, and machinery. They also have catering and accommodation to the five stars level. Therefore, it is not shocking that their fees will be high to maintain these coveted standards.
Policies and Procedures
Privatization comes along with stricter terms and conditions of use! To maintain the high status of these facilities, there is the use of stringent measures to prevent risks and damages to their expensive structures and equipment. For instance, video surveillance is a common feature in these institutions. They have zero tolerance for criminal or destructive conduct within or without their premises. There is outlining of corresponding harsh consequences and creating awareness among the students beforehand. In addition, any slight fall in course grades is a concern and leads to the discontinuation of studies.
Peer Pressure
The institutions are reserved for the rich and some middle-class members. Students from not-so-well-of families find it a challenge to integrate into the new system since they are used to their humble backgrounds. This easily creates an environment for peer pressure where their counterparts want them to be more like them and drastically change even their personalities.
Steep Competition
Private universities are very strict on students’ performance. The students maintain high grades to complete their course programs or retain their scholarships. As a result, fierce competition exists among students, which can deteriorate into conflict, and sometimes violence. Most students belong to the same economic and social class; hence, they want to assert their dominance at the expense of their counterparts.
Conclusion
Knowledge is power as the old saying goes. We must seek it while it is within our reach and disposal. Whether we acquire it from private or public sources, the determining factors are our personal goals and individual focus. In the past, students have attended private universities however; they remain unsuccessful, while others struggled through public education systems and end up being the movers and shakers in society! The contrary is also true, which brings us back to the student’s goal and focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average high school score for admission into most universities in the USA?
A GPA of 3.5 to 4.0
- How long does a standard undergraduate degree course take at a university in the USA?
If uninterrupted, it takes between 3 to 4 years.
- What is the average tuition cost per year in a private university in the USA?
An average of US$ 35,000 per year